Kuwait’s unified digital platform, Sahel, has reached 111 million transactions and 2.9 million users in just four years. The digital platform, launched in September 2021, now serves as the central hub for dozens of government services. Citizens and residents increasingly rely on this digital platform to simplify official procedures.
Yousef Kazem, Sahel’s official spokesperson, said the platform brings services from multiple government entities into one interface. He explained that this integration provides a smoother and more efficient user experience. Kazem noted that the platform processed over 32 million transactions this year alone, showing strong public trust and engagement.
Since its launch, Sahel has expanded from 123 to over 460 services across ministries and agencies. This growth has made it the most widely used government application in Kuwait. Kazem highlighted the creation of Kuwait’s first fully integrated digital journey, the “Newborn Journey,” which reduced bureaucratic steps into faster and simpler procedures. Additional digital journeys, such as the “House Document” and “Marriage Journey,” are currently in development. A new centralized reporting service, “Balagh,” will further enhance user convenience.
Kazem praised the political leadership for supporting Kuwait’s digital transformation and thanked ministries for collaborating to improve services. He emphasized that such cooperation strengthens institutional partnerships and promotes the integration of digital solutions into daily life.
The Public Authority for Housing Welfare has fully embraced digital transformation through Sahel. Omar Al-Ruwaih, the authority’s deputy director for public relations and development, reported that over one million services were provided digitally. The authority’s offerings increased from five in 2021 to 30 today, benefiting more than 312,000 citizens.
Al-Ruwaih revealed that the most popular services included issuing 761,000 “To Whom It May Concern” certificates, updating 84,591 phone numbers, and issuing 28,544 allocation decision certificates. Housing care and rental allowance applications exceeded 21,000, while allocation requests surpassed 20,000. The authority plans to launch new services, such as video communication for students on scholarships and citizens receiving medical treatment abroad.
Meanwhile, the Public Authority of Manpower introduced the first phase of an electronic need assessment system on Sahel. Acting Director General Rabab Al-Osaimi highlighted that the system ensures employers can submit workforce requirements digitally and securely. She stressed that smooth implementation is key to maintaining fairness and transparency.
Overall, Sahel’s digital platform continues to transform government services in Kuwait. Its user-friendly approach, expanding service range, and ongoing digital initiatives reinforce the nation’s commitment to modernization. Citizens and residents increasingly trust this digital platform for fast, reliable, and integrated service access.
